(ABC 6 News) -- State Auditor is a position that usually doesn't generate a lot of attention during election season. This year, it is.

Former Minnesota state representative and gubernatorial candidate Matt Entenza is running for state auditor. He'll challenge incumbent auditor and fellow democrat Rebecca Otto in the primary election.

During a stop in Austin, Entenza said there are some big differences between the candidates.

"The incumbent's focus is on audits. To me that's how you get a passing grade, and as a former prosecutor I know how to do audits. But we need to do more than that. How are we going to make sure pensions are protected, how are we going to make sure that rural communities have a watchdog who's out for them?" Entenza said.

Entenza entered the race for auditor late in the filing period, drawing some criticism for his timing. The state's primary election is August 12th.